Old Tom Morris

Old Tom Morris

Morris, Old Tom (1821–1908) 16 June 1821 – 24 May 1908. Professional golfer, greenkeeper, clubmaker, golf course designer. Born Thomas Mitchell Morris, St Andrews, son of a weaver. Apprenticed at age fourteen to Allan Robertson, generally regarded as the world's first professional golfer. Appointed Keeper of the Green at the newly formed Prestwick Golf Club in 1851; returned to St Andrews as Keeper of the Green and professional to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 1864, a post he held until 1903. Won the Open Championship four times: 1861, 1862, 1864, and 1867; the oldest winner on record at forty-six. Ran a clubmaking shop at 7 The Links, St Andrews, opposite the 18th green of the Old Course — the oldest continuously operating golf shop in the world — from 1866 until his death. Designed or redesigned approximately seventy-five golf courses, including Prestwick, Royal Dornoch, Muirfield, and Carnoustie. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1976. Died 24 May 1908 after a fall at the New Club, St Andrews; buried at St Andrews Cathedral. Connection to S.R. Crockett: Crockett played with Old Tom Morris, beating him on one marked occasion as noted in letters.